KWC participated in the Ards North Down Social Enterprise event held at SERC.
Delivered by the Social Enterprise team in NI Housing Executive, the event brought together key players who work in the sector, to discuss potential funding and mentoring support available for start up and growth social enterprise operations.
NIHE showcased several of their supported projects including the Kilcooley Queen Bee Cafe which operates as both a training site and an operational cafe.
Ards North Down Borough Council delivered a session on support available via the Go Succeed programme, and Conor from NIHE provided an overview on how Social Value clauses in public procurement can assist social enterprise grow.
Alison Blayney participated in a panel discussion with Colin Jess (Social Enterprise NI), Maura Betts (Ards North Down Council and Amanda from NIHE Social Enterprise team, where the importance of measuring social impact and the return on social investment was raised.
The event ended with a networking lunch for groups to meet, exchange contact details and discuss potential good practice visits.
Thank yo to the event organisers for a great event, lots of information and networking and raising the profile of the KWC social enterprise companies.
